Pamela Stephenson Connolly | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/pamela-stephenson-connolly
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Pamela Stephenson's biting wit: from the archive, 17 October 1980http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/oct/17/pamela-stephenson-not-the-nine-oclock-news-1980
<p>The crazy world of the Not the Nine O’Clock News star and Comic Strip standup performer</p><p>Anna Ford complains that only women have to look good to cast news. Jan Leeming tells the Glasgow Herald that carping viewers cause her to burst into tears as soon as she closes her front door. Angela Rippon tells Woman that when she can no longer hide the hurt of being compared with a meringue, “they’ll have to take me off to the funny farm.”</p><p>Pamela Stephenson, who can be all three in the space of a minute, doesn’t mind looking good on a visual medium, or like a meringue if the shot calls for it. But she does feel sorry for them, their lives not their own, when they’re glossy and articulate compared with the men.<br /></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/oct/17/pamela-stephenson-not-the-nine-oclock-news-1980">Continue reading...</a>Pamela Stephenson ConnollyTelevisionComedyFri, 17 Oct 2014 04:30:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/oct/17/pamela-stephenson-not-the-nine-oclock-news-1980Photograph: Associated Newspapers /REXPamela Stephenson in Covent Garden, London, promoting Not The Nine O’Clock News, October 1980.Photograph: Associated Newspapers /REXPamela Stephenson in Covent Garden, London, promoting Not The Nine O’Clock News, October 1980.Alex Hamilton2014-10-17T04:30:24ZI don't feel I can be sexually confident with my partnerhttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/apr/07/dont-feel-sexually-confident-with-partner
We were friends before we became a couple and now I can't stop comparing myself to his previous partners<p><strong>I am a 28-year-old woman in a relationship with a 32-year-old man. We were friends before we got together, but I am concerned that I&nbsp;am&nbsp;not sexually confident enough for him. I&nbsp;constantly find myself thinking about the other women he has slept with and comparing myself to them. I&nbsp;am not sure whether this is a problem that is all about me, or if&nbsp;I&nbsp;simply don't feel that I&nbsp;can ever be&nbsp;comfortable and assured with this&nbsp;particular partner. </strong></p><p>Unfortunately, discussions about a person's prior sexual experience often cause trouble. However, it is worth noting that if a partner boasts about past sexual activities, they might be doing so to ward off their own feelings of inadequacy.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/apr/07/dont-feel-sexually-confident-with-partner">Continue reading...</a>SexRelationshipsLife and stylePamela Stephenson ConnollyMon, 07 Apr 2014 07:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/apr/07/dont-feel-sexually-confident-with-partnerAlamy'I am not sure whether this is a ­problem that is all about me.' Posed by model. Photograph: AlamyAlamy'I am not sure whether this is a ­problem that is all about me.' Posed by model. Photograph: AlamyPamela Stephenson Connolly2014-04-07T07:00:00ZI haven't recovered my pre-Strictly Come Dancing grooming | Pamela Stephenson Connollyhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/21/strictly-come-dancing-natalie-gumede-pamela-stephenson-connolly
Natalie Gumede complains the costumes are too revealing. I'm cut from a different cloth<p>Heavens to bustier! When I read that Strictly Come Dancing finalist Natalie Gumede frequently sent back the costumes designed for her by the BBC costume team <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2013/dec/20/strictly-come-dancing-costumes-natalie-gumede" title="">because they were too revealing</a>, you could have knocked me down with a feather boa. Censoring her own cossies? I don't get it … is she for real? The Coronation Street star is supposed to have claimed: &quot;Nine times out of 10 I get some [material] added&quot;</p><p>See, I'm cut from a very different kind of cloth. When I was a <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/sep/14/strictly-come-dancing-contestant" title="">Strictly contestant two years ago</a>, I started out covering up my jiggly bits – mainly as a public service – but after a few weeks of squirming and firming I changed my tune. In fact, I would BEG for &quot;a cut-out midriff dress like Kristina&quot; or &quot;peek-a-boob top like Ola&quot;. Yes, Strictly style as a situational aesthetic is awfully quickly internalised.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/21/strictly-come-dancing-natalie-gumede-pamela-stephenson-connolly">Continue reading...</a>Strictly Come DancingBBCTelevisionEntertainmentReality TVMediaTelevision industryUK newsFashionLife and stylePamela Stephenson ConnollySat, 21 Dec 2013 14:41:29 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/dec/21/strictly-come-dancing-natalie-gumede-pamela-stephenson-connollyBBCWhen I was a Strictly Come Dancing contestant two years ago, I started out covering up my jiggly bits but after a few weeks I changed my tune Photograph: BBCBBCWhen I was a Strictly Come Dancing contestant two years ago, I started out covering up my jiggly bits but after a few weeks I changed my tune Photograph: BBCPamela Stephenson Connolly2013-12-21T14:41:29ZProstate cancer is affecting my sex lifehttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/jul/22/prostate-cancer-sex-life
I'm having erectile difficulties because of my illness but am too shy to take it up with my doctor. What should I do?<p><strong>I'm still very much in love romantically with my wife of 30 years. Recently, I've been diagnosed with prostate cancer and I have difficulties with erection. I'm rather traditional in my attitudes and would find it difficult to discuss this with my doctor. What simple measures can I take to maintain what has previously been an active sex life?</strong></p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/jul/22/prostate-cancer-sex-life">Continue reading...</a>SexLife and styleProstate cancerSocietyCancerHealthPamela Stephenson ConnollyRelationshipsMon, 22 Jul 2013 06:00:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/jul/22/prostate-cancer-sex-lifeAlamyDon't be shy about discussing sexual issues with your doctor. Photograph: AlamyAlamyDon't be shy about discussing sexual issues with your doctor. Photograph: AlamyPamela Stephenson Connolly2013-07-22T06:00:12ZSince my wife's hysterectomy, our sex life has become non-existenthttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/feb/18/wife-hysterectomy-sex-life-nonexistent
Encourage her to talk to you about her experience and work together at rebuilding intimacy<p><strong>I am 65 years old and my loving wife&nbsp;is&nbsp;57. Since&nbsp;she had a traumatic hysterectomy five years ago, our sex life has dwindled to nothing. When she began to experience problems with natural lubrication we used a lubricant, but she found it messy and I&nbsp;lost sensation. I've resorted to masturbating as I love her dearly and don't want an affair but would much rather resume our previous love life. I've tried talking to her about it and even suggested counselling but she got very angry.</strong></p><p>Some hysterectomy procedures result in nerve damage, which can interfere with sexual sensation. Also, the change in hormonal processes can make arousal more difficult – and she may be experiencing pain during intercourse. Try talking to her again, but this time express your love for her as well as your sadness that you no longer share physical relations. Many women have strong feelings about having a hysterectomy, so encourage her to talk to you about what it's been like for her.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/feb/18/wife-hysterectomy-sex-life-nonexistent">Continue reading...</a>SexRelationshipsLife and stylePamela Stephenson ConnollyMon, 18 Feb 2013 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/feb/18/wife-hysterectomy-sex-life-nonexistentDavid J Green - Lifestyle / Ala/AlamySome hysterectomy procedures result in nerve damage, which can interfere with sexual sensation. Photograph: David J Green - Lifestyle/AlamyDavid J Green - Lifestyle / Ala/AlamyOlder woman thinking. Photograph: David J Green - Lifestyle / Ala/AlamyPamela Stephenson Connolly2013-02-18T09:00:00ZBilly Connolly: 'I hate going on holiday'http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/jan/26/pamela-stephenson-billy-connolly-holiday-mauritius
Pamela Stephenson Connolly hadn't been away with her husband, Billy, for 30 years. Could she convert him to the pleasures of a beach holiday?<p>&quot;Can you remember the last time we went away together for a holiday?&quot; My husband Billy and I had plonked ourselves down in a Heathrow lounge to await our Air Mauritius flight. &quot;Nope,&quot; he replied, searching in his bag. &quot;Morocco?&quot; &quot;Maybe so!&quot; That got his attention. Around 1982 we'd escaped to Marrakech – memorable not just for the dodgy food, but also for the romance that took place in between bouts of vomiting. Of course, that was just before we had kids. &quot;Hmmm,&quot; I mused, &quot;so it's actually been 30 years since we took a break alone together…&quot;</p><p>&quot;Oh, fuck!&quot; Tragedy had struck Billy in the form of no swimming trunks packed. That's got to be one of the main differences between wives and husbands – whereas I spent hours in front of my mirror trying on bathing costumes, cover-ups and sundresses to decide what to bring, my husband was trunkless. &quot;No problem,&quot; I said. &quot;I'll grab some from duty free.&quot; To punish him, I chose the silliest pair I could find – pink and white candy stripes. Unfortunately, he loved them.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/jan/26/pamela-stephenson-billy-connolly-holiday-mauritius">Continue reading...</a>MauritiusPamela Stephenson ConnollyBilly ConnollyBeach holidaysLuxury travelRest and relaxationWater sports holidaysTravelSat, 26 Jan 2013 09:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/travel/2013/jan/26/pamela-stephenson-billy-connolly-holiday-mauritiusFabien Dubessay/GuardianPamela takes a boat trip to Ville Noire. Photograph: Fabien Dubessay for the GuardianFabien Dubessay/GuardianPamela tries to tempt Billy away from watching football on his iPad. Photograph: Fabien Dubessay for the GuardianPRWin a week at a luxury Sandals resort like Sandals Grande AntiguaFabien Dubessay/GuardianPamela Stephenson Connolly and her husband, Billy: 'I like being active on holiday: beach activities, sightseeing, taking photos. Billy likes to do sweet FA' Photograph: Fabien Dubessay for the GuardianFabien Dubessay/GuardianPamela Stephenson Connolly and her husband, Billy: 'I like being active on holiday: beach activities, sightseeing, taking photos. Billy likes to do sweet FA' Photograph: Fabien Dubessay for the GuardianPamela Stephenson Connolly2013-01-26T09:00:00ZQ&amp;A: Pamela Stephenson Connollyhttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/nov/09/pamela-stephenson-connolly-interview
'Cat or dog? Neither. Affection-stealing bastards'<p><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/pamela-stephenson-connolly" title="">Pamela Stephenson Connolly</a> was born in New Zealand in 1949 and grew up in Australia where she began acting. She moved to London in 1976 and was in the award-winning TV series <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/notthenineoclock/" title="">Not The Nine O'Clock News</a>. In 1996, she gained a PhD in <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/pamelastephensonconnolly" title="">clinical psychology</a> and established her own practice. She's married to comedian <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/billyconnolly" title="">Billy Connolly</a>, with whom she has three children. Her autobiography, <a href="http://www.guardianbookshop.co.uk/BerteShopWeb/viewProduct.do?ISBN=9781849839211" title="">The Varnished Untruth</a>, is out now.</p><p><strong>When were you happiest?</strong><br />When I was pregnant. Licence to eat.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/nov/09/pamela-stephenson-connolly-interview">Continue reading...</a>Life and stylePamela Stephenson ConnollyCultureBilly ConnollyPsychologyFri, 09 Nov 2012 22:59:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/nov/09/pamela-stephenson-connolly-interviewRex FeaturesPamela Stephenson Connolly: 'The most expensive thing I've bought? New tits.' Photograph: Rex FeaturesRex FeaturesPamela Stephenson Connolly: 'The most expensive thing I've bought? New tits.' Photograph: Rex FeaturesRosanna Greenstreet2012-11-09T22:59:00ZMy boyfriend wants sex only if I watch porn and then play with him while he's asleephttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/oct/28/boyfriend-porn-sex-while-asleep
Now that I have said no, he has stormed out and I feel like I'm in the wrong<p><strong>I'm 31 and my boyfriend of 18 years prefers having sex a certain way: me playing with myself while watching porn as he sleeps; then I do him while he sleeps and wake him up after. At first this was fun but then he wanted it this way all the time. If I want normal sex he shouts and says he'll go with someone else.</strong></p><p><strong>Right now I've got viral meningitis. I can't sleep, my head hurts and I've been throwing up. I've still managed to have sex but recently I said no, and he didn't speak to me the whole night, left in the morning and hasn't responded to my calls since. I feel like I'm in the wrong and I've made him go elsewhere. He's cheated on me before and he's probably doing it again. I'm so ill I don't need this. Did I do the wrong thing?</strong></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/oct/28/boyfriend-porn-sex-while-asleep">Continue reading...</a>SexRelationshipsLife and stylePamela Stephenson ConnollySun, 28 Oct 2012 21:00:12 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/oct/28/boyfriend-porn-sex-while-asleepPamela Stephenson Connolly2012-10-28T21:00:12ZPeter Cook and Frank Sidebottom rise again – and Airplane flies to the top of the pollshttp://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/sep/11/frank-sidebottom-peter-cook-stag-nights
As cult comics speak to us from beyond the grave, Julian Clary and Airplane display their enduring popularity<p>Cult comics speak to us from beyond the grave this week, as <a href="http://www.chortle.co.uk/news/2012/09/05/16083/michael_fassbender_to_play_frank_sidebottom" title="Michael Fassbender to play Frank Sidebottom">Film Four announce a new film </a> loosely based on the life and career of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/stage/2010/jun/21/frank-sidebottom-creator-chris-sievey-dies" title="Frank Sidebottom creator Chris Sievey dies aged 54">Chris Sievey </a> and his alter ego Frank Sidebottom. Sidebottom was the large-headed wannabe pop star who became an unlikely phenomenon in the 1980s – which isn't exactly typecasting for the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/84422/x-men" title="X-Men (2000)">X-Men </a>and <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/movie/145506/prometheus" title="Prometheus (2012) at guardian.co.uk/film">Prometheus</a> star <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/michael-fassbender" title="the actor at guardian.co.uk/film">Michael Fassbender</a>, who's slated to play him. The movie is by screenwriter Peter Straughan and writer Jon Ronson, who has tweeted to deny that the film is explicitly about Sievey/Sidebottom.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/sep/11/frank-sidebottom-peter-cook-stag-nights">Continue reading...</a>Frank SidebottomPeter CookComedyComedyArmando IannucciTelevisionPamela Stephenson ConnollyComedyComedyStageCultureJulian ClaryTue, 11 Sep 2012 15:07:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/sep/11/frank-sidebottom-peter-cook-stag-nightsLinda Nylind/Linda NylindFrank Sidebottom (Chris Sievey) with his art exhibited at Chelsea Space. Photograph: Linda NylindLinda Nylind/Linda NylindFrank Sidebottom (Chris Sievey) with his art exhibited at Chelsea Space. Photograph: Linda NylindBrian Logan2012-09-11T15:07:08ZTV highlights 17/04/2012http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/apr/16/meet-the-romans-mary-beard
Meet The Romans With&nbsp;Mary Beard | The Mighty Mississippi With Trevor McDonald | I Woke Up Gay | Mad Men | Later Live – With Jools Holland | Pamela Stephenson: The Fame Report<p>Inverting the question of what the Romans did for us, Professor Beard asks: &quot;What did the empire do to the Romans?&quot; The Cambridge classicist tackles this subject not by focusing on aristocrats but by looking for traces of lives more ordinary. What emerges is a bottom-up portrait of a vibrant metropolis as seen through the eyes of characters such as the ex-slave baker who commissioned himself a bread oven-shaped memorial. <em>Jonathan Wright</em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/apr/16/meet-the-romans-mary-beard">Continue reading...</a>TelevisionTelevision & radioCultureMary BeardMad MenPop and rockPamela Stephenson ConnollyMon, 16 Apr 2012 18:59:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2012/apr/16/meet-the-romans-mary-beardCaterina Turroni/BBC/Lion TVOrdinary lives …Meet The Romans With Mary Beard. Photograph: Caterina Turroni/BBC/Lion TVCaterina Turroni/BBC/Lion TVOrdinary lives …Meet The Romans With Mary Beard. Photograph: Caterina Turroni/BBC/Lion TVJonathan Wright, Martin Skegg, Ali Catterall, Gwilym Mumford, John Robinson and David Stubbs2012-04-16T18:59:00ZBilly Connolly: 'My ambition is to be regarded as a nuisance'http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2012/mar/25/billy-connolly-drawings-exhibition-interview
The comedian on how his 'doodles' have ended up in art gallery, his waltzing wife and cowardly hecklers<br />• <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/gallery/2012/mar/14/billy-connolly-drawing-exhibition-in-pictures" title="View our gallery of Billy Connolly's art ">View our gallery of Billy Connolly's art </a><p><strong>You only started drawing five years ago. How did it happen?</strong></p><p>I was on tour in Montreal and it was a cold, grey day. I was heading back to the hotel, fed up with the weather, when I passed this art shop. I'd had enough of watching telly for hours so I got myself a sketch book and felt-tip pens. And I couldn't draw, you know? Figuratively, I mean. I couldn't draw you, or any other person, or a chair. But I started to draw desert islands. They were just rough, shapes in the middle of the page. Then I began drawing shapes within those shapes and I was amazed how quickly the islands got better. It took off from there.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2012/mar/25/billy-connolly-drawings-exhibition-interview">Continue reading...</a>Billy ConnollyPamela Stephenson ConnollyCultureArtArt and designSun, 25 Mar 2012 00:05:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/culture/2012/mar/25/billy-connolly-drawings-exhibition-interviewWilloughby Public Relations / Re'I don't understand artspeak': Billy Connolly Photograph: Willoughby Public Relations / ReWilloughby Public Relations / Re'I don't understand artspeak': Billy Connolly Photograph: Willoughby Public Relations / ReInterview by Lisa O'Kelly2012-03-25T00:05:02ZHow to own up to an STIhttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/jun/07/owning-up-to-an-sti
Sexually transmitted infections are on the rise. If you do have one, there are ways to save your blushes and protect your partner's health<p>Three things you'd hate to hear while fellating someone for the first time: &quot;That's not just a blister,&quot; &quot;Watch your teeth – I'm positive!&quot; or &quot;Don't worry, even Pammy Anderson has hep C . . .&quot; Strong sexual feelings may lead to an urgent desire to act, but nowadays things can get tricky. Telling someone you're about to sleep with that you have a sexually transmitted infection is a vital aspect of ensuring the act will be consensual – but it needs to be timely and appropriately handled. In a new social era, this is one of the unspoken rules of modern manners – and as such, it is still evolving.</p><p><strong>When should you tell?</strong></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/jun/07/owning-up-to-an-sti">Continue reading...</a>Sexual healthSexHealthChlamydiaSocietyHealth & wellbeingPamela Stephenson ConnollyLife and styleTue, 07 Jun 2011 05:59:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2011/jun/07/owning-up-to-an-stiAndersen Ross/Getty Images/Blend ImagesKiss and tell should probably be the other way around. Photograph: Andersen Ross/Getty Images/Blend ImagesAndersen Ross/Getty Images/Blend ImagesKiss and tell should probably be the other way around. Photograph: Andersen Ross/Getty Images/Blend ImagesPamela Stephenson Connolly2011-06-07T05:59:00ZPamela Stephenson Connolly: 'I did my best for oldie power'http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/21/pamela-stephenson-connolly-oldie-power
As she comes down from the high of the Strictly finals, Pamela Stephenson Connolly says farewell to her fantasies and her crush on her dance partner – and reveals what learning to dance meant for a sexagenarian<p>It takes time to process any major event in one's life. I have barely emerged from my Strictly experience, and do not expect to fully understand it for quite a while yet. I am a reasonably stable and somewhat self-analytical person (the latter did not just come with the territory of being a mental-health professional), but the last four months have been extremely discombobulating – the climax being the Strictly finals last Saturday night.</p><p>I was not the favourite to win; in fact my professional dance partner James Jordon and I were the underdogs in the bookies' stakes – yet our being eliminated in the penultimate round was apparently a surprise to many. Personally, I was utterly gobsmacked that I got anywhere near <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/17/strictly-dancing-chance-pamela-stephenson" title="a chance at the trophy">a chance at the trophy</a>, having entered the competition as a chubby, unfit and exhausted psychotherapist in an age bracket that seemed to guarantee early elimination. At that time it was unimaginable that I would end up dancing in a final against two talented and super-athletic young people whose combined age was less than mine. Rather than having regrets at coming third, I think I agree with those who have kindly said they feel I did actually &quot;win&quot; in so many ways.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/21/pamela-stephenson-connolly-oldie-power">Continue reading...</a>Strictly Come DancingReality TVBBCTelevisionEntertainmentPamela Stephenson ConnollyCultureTue, 21 Dec 2010 08:00:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/21/pamela-stephenson-connolly-oldie-powerGuy Ley/PAPamela Stephenson Connolly and James Jordan performing in the Strictly Come Dancing final. Photograph: Guy Ley/PAGuy Ley/PAPamela Stephenson Connolly and James Jordan taking part in the Strictly Come Dancing final. Photograph: Guy Ley/PAPamela Stephenson Connolly2010-12-21T08:00:02ZStrictly Come Dancing has good chance of being won by Pamela Stephensonhttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/17/strictly-dancing-chance-pamela-stephenson
Pamela Stephenson Connolly, 61, in final for Strictly Come Dancing, up against Kara Tointon and Matt Baker<p>The BBC's flagship entertainment show Strictly Come Dancing became infamous when it axed 66-year-old judge Arlene Phillips. But tonight it could have its first 60something winner.</p><p>Pamela Stephenson Connolly, the 61-year-old comedian turned clinical psychologist, is the oldest finalist in any of the celebrity dance show's eight series. As one journalist was not slow to point out at a press event, she is older than her two rival finalists combined.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/17/strictly-dancing-chance-pamela-stephenson">Continue reading...</a>Strictly Come DancingPamela Stephenson ConnollyBBCReality TVTelevisionEntertainmentCultureUK newsFri, 17 Dec 2010 20:41:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/17/strictly-dancing-chance-pamela-stephensonYui Mok/PAPamela Stephenson with her Strictly dance partner James Jordan. The 61-year-old comedian turned psychiatrist may well win. Photograph: Yui Mok/PAYui Mok/PAPamela Stephenson with her Strictly dance partner James Jordan. The 61-year-old comedian turned psychiatrist stands a good chance of winning.
Photograph: Yui Mok/PAJohn Plunkett2010-12-17T20:41:02ZStrictly Come Dancing final: Pamela Stephenson Connolly and James Jordanhttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/audio/2010/dec/17/pamela-stephenson-james-jordan-strictly-come-dancing
Hear two of the finalists discuss how they are preparing for the BBC show's last dance-off <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/audio/2010/dec/17/pamela-stephenson-james-jordan-strictly-come-dancing">Continue reading...</a>Strictly Come DancingTelevision & radioTelevision industryMediaPamela Stephenson ConnollyFri, 17 Dec 2010 17:21:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/audio/2010/dec/17/pamela-stephenson-james-jordan-strictly-come-dancingBBC/GUY LEVY/BBCPamela Stephenson Connolly with her Strictly Come Dancing dance partner James Jordan. Photograph: BBC/GUY LEVY/BBCJohn Plunkett2010-12-17T17:21:15ZStrictly Come Dancing steps up the XXX factor for finalhttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/17/strictly-come-dancing-final-2010
Pamela Stephenson Connolly promises routine that will be 'full-on sex', while Matt Baker prepares for risky routine<p>Never mind the <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/14/the-x-factor-christina-aguilera-rihanna?INTCMP=SRCH" title="">X Factor </a> – tomorrow night's Strictly Come Dancing final could have the XXX factor after Pamela Stephenson Connolly promised a routine that would be &quot;full-on sex&quot;.</p><p>Connolly, who at 61 is the show's oldest-ever finalist, will take on Countryfile presenter Matt Baker and EastEnders star Kara Tointon in the final of the BBC1 show, which is likely to be watched by more than 12 million viewers.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/17/strictly-come-dancing-final-2010">Continue reading...</a>Strictly Come DancingReality TVTelevisionEntertainmentPamela Stephenson ConnollyCultureBBCTelevision industryMediaUK newsFri, 17 Dec 2010 16:11:34 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/17/strictly-come-dancing-final-2010BBC/PAStrictly Come Dancing's Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan ... a step too far for the Mail? Photograph: BBC/PABBC/PAStrictly Come Dancing 2010: Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan Photograph: BBC/PAJohn Plunkett2010-12-17T16:11:34ZMy Strictly diary: what should I do with all the frocks?http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/06/strictly-come-dancing-pamela-stephenson
It's all very well being offered my costumes from Strictly Come Dancing, but where and when would I actually get a chance to wear them?<p>It's only a couple of weeks until <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing/" title="the end of the competition">the end of the competition</a> and, whether I'm there at the finish line or not, I'm beginning to fret about how I'm going to come down to earth and get back to my day job. The lines between my psychologist self and my Strictly self are already well and truly blurred. Case in point: the costume department asked me if I wanted to buy any of my amazing dance outfits – and I actually considered it. I mean, seriously, where on earth would I wear them? To the office on casual Fridays? Dinner with colleagues? Court appearances? On my bathroom countertop there is a little bowl of discarded false eyelashes, like a nest of furry caterpillars. My drawers contain cans of top-up spray tan, while my bedside table is strewn with dead hairpieces. Should all this simply go to waste?</p><p>Wouldn't my future patients appreciate it if I recreated, say, my charleston look for those who needed cheering up, my tango severity for the masochistically inclined, my cha-cha-cha striptease for the sexually uninspired? Surely my 3in Latin heels would not look amiss at a mental health convention? And my newly acquired ability to do backflips and moving splits could be worked into a grand finale for my next PowerPoint presentation. Perhaps I could hold group therapy in a dance studio and finish off sessions with a rousing rumba? We could chuck out the least popular dancer every week, and reward mood improvement with glitterballs.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/06/strictly-come-dancing-pamela-stephenson">Continue reading...</a>TelevisionCulturePamela Stephenson ConnollyStrictly Come DancingReality TVBBCEntertainmentMon, 06 Dec 2010 20:00:02 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/dec/06/strictly-come-dancing-pamela-stephensonGuy Levy/BBCTop marks: Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan dance the Viennese waltz on Strictly Come Dancing on 4 December. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBCGuy Levy/BBCTop marks: Pamela Stephenson and James Jordan dance the Viennese waltz on Strictly Come Dancing on 4 December. Photograph: Guy Levy/BBCPamela Stephenson Connolly2010-12-06T20:00:02ZMy Strictly diary: Hapless hosehttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/nov/29/pamela-stephenson-strictly-come-dancing
I had an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction on Saturday night<p>Let's talk about the price of fishnets. At the end of Saturday's charleston, my partner James Jordan swung me around by my arms while I shook my legs, then I ducked under his arm into a wheelbarrow move, followed by a moving split that led to an under-legs swing, an open-leg jump into his arms and a dive over his head into a precarious pose with one crooked leg in the air.</p><p>We were lucky that these risky moves worked well, but there was something very off about our end position. Well, it's not a good look to appear on national TV, hanging upside-down off a young man's back with one leg waving at the audience, if your fishnet tights refuse to stay where they belong. A decent pair of fishnets would have remained north of my panty line, but mine must have been the cheaper variety. They wormed their way down my thigh, so what may have appeared to be a stocking top was actually hapless hose.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/nov/29/pamela-stephenson-strictly-come-dancing">Continue reading...</a>Strictly Come DancingReality TVBBCTelevisionEntertainmentPamela Stephenson ConnollyMon, 29 Nov 2010 20:00:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/nov/29/pamela-stephenson-strictly-come-dancingBBC/GUY LEVY/BBCPamela and James on Strictly Come Dancing. Photograph: BBC/GUY LEVY/BBCBBC/GUY LEVY/BBCPamela and James on Strictly Come Dancing. Photograph: BBC/GUY LEVY/BBCPamela Stephenson Connolly2010-11-29T20:00:03ZMy Strictly diary: Erotic tension is the elephant in the roomhttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/nov/15/pamela-stephenson-strictly-come-dancing
No wonder illicit 'incidents' have occurred in the past, as well as the formation of long-term relationships<p>The instant intimacy of the dance partners' relationship is unusual to say the least; a handshake immediately followed by a crotch-to-crotch bump and grind is not your everyday experience. While common for a professional dancer, to us &quot;celebs&quot; it can be quite discombobulating. What do you say to someone who has just flicked your erotic switch during <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2010/nov/12/strictly-come-dancing-live-blog" title="Guardian.co.uk: Strictly Come Dancing – live blog!">a 90-second chachacha routine</a>? &quot;Was that good for you&nbsp;too?&quot;</p><p>Dance etiquette <sup></sup>dictates that one should discuss correct footwork then move on to chitchatting about sport or house prices, but on Strictly, the erotic tension between pro-celeb partners is the (sequined) elephant in the room. It is openly discussed only where it concerns couples between whom sexual attraction is deemed &quot;appropriate&quot;, eg young singles. But even between less &quot;appropriately matched&quot; couples there's undoubtedly a lot going on beneath the soundbite surface. I'm not saying there's actual physical acting-out, but there is likely to be at least a harbouring of fantasy, private longing, secret love or outright lust, as well as strong familial feelings that may arise as bonding follows early patterns.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/nov/15/pamela-stephenson-strictly-come-dancing">Continue reading...</a>Strictly Come DancingPamela Stephenson ConnollyCultureReality TVBBCTelevisionEntertainmentMon, 15 Nov 2010 20:00:01 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/nov/15/pamela-stephenson-strictly-come-dancingBBC/PAPamela Stephenson Connolly and her dance partner James Jordan. Photograph: BBC/PABBC/PAPamela Stephenson Connolly and her dance partner James Jordan. Photograph: BBC/PAPamela Stephenson Connolly2010-11-15T20:00:01ZMy Strictly diary: I haven't really had a rough weekhttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/nov/08/pamela-stephenson-strictly-come-dancing
Reality-TV-land seduces you into thinking you're important<p>I've officially lost the plot, or, as a psychologist who actually had some grip on reality should put it: I entered a delusional state. On last Saturday's live Strictly Come Dancing episode, in front of 12&nbsp;million people, I actually heard myself utter the words: &quot;James and I had a rough week.&quot; I was referring to the fact that, having received poorer marks than usual the previous Saturday (due to my messing up a few steps), our confidence and equilibrium was affected.</p><p>Rough week? Rough week! I was dancing on TV for heaven's sake! See, that's what reality-TV-land does to you – seduces you into thinking you're important. In the nick of&nbsp;time, I booked a session with&nbsp;myself.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/nov/08/pamela-stephenson-strictly-come-dancing">Continue reading...</a>Pamela Stephenson ConnollyStrictly Come DancingReality TVBBCTelevisionEntertainmentMon, 08 Nov 2010 20:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2010/nov/08/pamela-stephenson-strictly-come-dancingBBC/GUY LEVY/BBCPamela Stephenson and James Jordan dance on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing live show. Photograph: BBC/GUY LEVY/BBCBBC/GUY LEVY/BBCPamela Stephenson and James Jordan dance on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing live show. Photograph: BBC/GUY LEVY/BBCPamela Stephenson Connolly2010-11-08T20:00:00Z